An integrated approach to panic prevention targeting the empirically supported risk factors of smoking and anxiety sensitivity: Theoretical basis and evidence from a pilot project evaluating feasibility and short-term efficacy

Abstract

Consistent with a risk reduction model of targeted prevention, the present investigation piloted and empirically evaluated the feasibility and short-term efficacy of a first-generation panic prevention program that targeted two malleable risk factors for panic development—anxiety sensitivity and daily cigarette smoking. Members of a high risk cohort, defined by high levels of anxiety sensitivity and current daily smoking (n=96), were randomly assigned to either (1) a one session intervention focused on proximally increasing motivation to quit smoking and reducing anxiety sensitivity to distally prevent the development of panic or (2) a health information control condition of comparable length. Participants were followed for 6 months. Consistent with hypotheses, those in the treatment condition showed reduced anxiety sensitivity and this effect was maintained across the follow-up period. Limited evidence also suggested the intervention increased motivation to quit smoking. We discuss how this prevention protocol can be modified in the future to enhance its effects as part of second-generation larger-scale outcome evaluations.